Denise McHugh
NAME
Denise McHugh
OCCUPATION
QUALIFICATIONS
POLITICAL PARTY
Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch)
PHONE
LINKS
TRRRA Candidate Questions
- Why are you running, and what do you think you can offer Tamworth Region?
I am a strong advocate for change and am committed to making the Tamworth region a better place to live and work. I want to be the voice of the people on council including those from the towns, villages and hamlets. It’s not all about Tamworth.
- How do those of you with political affiliations address the issues that arise serving two masters?
Just because you are a member of a political party does not mean you serve two masters. I believe in in Labor values of fairness and equity, and having been a member of the ALP for nearly 20 years would find it hypocritical to not tell voters of my party membership. Unlike the National Party members who do not declare their allegiance and are pretend independents.
- Every candidate says that they always put the community first. But what does that mean to you?
Putting the community first means listening to people and being their advocate. For example, I think wind farms are a great renewable energy source. The people of Hanging Rock and Nundle do not want the wind farm proposed for that area. In my decision making I would support the views of the residents.
- What are your views on the interaction between Councillors, senior council staff and developers documented and available on public record?
I think all decision making in council should be open to public scrutiny and made available on the public record. We may not like every decision made, but can then understand why a decision was made.
- How would you improve transparency and accountability for Counsellors and the Council?
- Understandably, the Council needs to maintain confidentiality around some issues and be discussed in Closed Council sessions. How do you feel those Closed Council discussions impact the Council’s transparency and accountability?
[ADMIN: Denise Answered Q 5 & 6 Together] Answer these together: Transparency and accountability is incredibly important for residents to maintain confidence in their Council and their Counsellors. I would like to see if practicable a summary report of Council decisions and reasoning behind why some decisions were made – also a summary of how Counsellors voted. This could be available on the council website. I agree that some meetings may need to be held in Closed Council, but again any decisions coming out of this need to be reportable, justified and with a list of how Counsellors voted.
- Would you support a review of Chaffey dam water management?
Yes.
- What are your views on TRC pursuing alternate water sources to ensure water security, e.g. purchasing some or all of the Peel Valley licenses from those willing to sell?
I think we need a complete study on how we manage and source water to come up with , real, sustainable and affordable solutions. All options should be on the table.
- Do you believe the community should be advised before the sale of community assets?
Totally agree that there should be community consultation when selling community assets. Personally, I am against selling community assets; there would have to be a very strong business case for doing so weighed against public benefit.
NEWS ARTICLES
Northern Daily Leader – November 8 2021
Tamworth council elections 2021: Denise McHugh says today’s rates should be for today’s ratepayers
